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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Mr Kleb's Avatar
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    A journey ends, a journey begins

    My journey with Stella has ended - in one way.

    I prefer to not share all of the details of how and why. They are between me and Faye, Stella, our vet, and the Knower of All Things. It's enough to say we are blessed with a vet who came to our home and helped us let go, with Stella's head in my lap.

    She may have been one of the last 'original' Lab Board dogs, an honourary one since she was an Australian Cattle dog cross.

    I adopted her over 13 years ago, discovered a new and deep sense of purpose. We learned from and trained one another. We prospered through the years of Avis and Moonpie becoming senior dogizens, being adopted by Corndog. We met Faye and I gained another new purpose. Someone to love and be loved by.

    We let go of Moonpie, Avis, Corndog, and gained a new four footed companion - Achilles.

    We moved to a new life, a new country, met new dogs - Rex, Kendal, BoJo, fosters Charlie and Lucy - and let go of them. Achilles is still here. We met yet another foster, Fitzi, and he has stuck. He's the right dog at the right time.

    I hope that Stella had a full life. Some people might have done more to keep her here longer. I believe it's better to let go a day too soon, while she still had dignity, than a day too late.

    I'm sad - for me and for Faye. Among the bargains I made when adopting her (that anyone makes when they adopt a dog or cat) was that I'd probably outlive her.

    My sadness is tempered by gratitude for having years together, learning from and about one another. Deep gratitude to the family who trusted me enough to let me adopt her.

    I don't believe in the Rainbow Bridge. This isn't a criticism of those who do believe, only a statement that I don't believe. I don't believe that Stella or any (every) dog I've owned will rush to greet me at the Bridge. She has too much good stuff to do, to spend eternity at my side. She's too busy power-chasing squirrels and keeping them honest. There are too many rivers, lakes, and ponds for a duck wearing a dog suit to swim in. And that's fine.

    A journey ends, a journey begins. Stella is no longer here yet she is here - in my memory, head, heart, and soul. So she lives on.

    Last edited by Mr Kleb; 05-10-2017 at 09:53 AM.
    Andrew, Faye, Fitzi, and Lucy

    Not gone, only gone on ahead - Bruno, Rex, BoJo, Kendal, Kingsley, Moonpie, Avis, Corndog, Stella, and now Achilles

    I invite you to visit my blog, Hidden Content .

  2. The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to Mr Kleb For This Useful Post:

    barry581 (05-10-2017), Java (05-21-2017), Mollysmomma (05-11-2017), MontananDakota (05-15-2017), ronmcq (05-10-2017), Scoutpout (05-16-2017), silverfz (05-10-2017), SunDance (05-10-2017)

  3. #2
    Senior Dog Meeps83's Avatar
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    So sorry to see this. Whatever the circumstances, I'm sure this was the right decision.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

  5. #3
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    God speed Stella. God, or whoever, give peace to Andrew and Faye.
    Hidden Content

    Castilleja's Dubhgall Oban, the Black Stranger of The Little Bay
    Oct. 15, 2007 - June 13, 2021
    Oxtongue Rapids Park. Oct. 2019 Hidden Content

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

  7. #4
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    So very, very sorry. What a wonderful life and adventure she had with you, all the other furkids and Faye. How fortunate you all were to have had her in your lives, how blessed. Whatever the circumstances, she could depend on you to put her first in all phases of her life.

    My heart cries for all of you.

    Rest In Peace Sweet Stella
    Hidden Content
    Kissing Bandit

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

  9. #5
    Senior Dog zd262's Avatar
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    Rest in peace Stella, I know that you're right that she'll be busy in all of those lakes and ponds and streams.
    Hidden Content

    Hidden Content

    Bubba's instagram: @thebubbinator

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

  11. #6
    House Broken jenfarm's Avatar
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    I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Stella. Chase all the squirrels, bound through all the lakes and ponds. <3

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

  13. #7
    Best Friend Retriever ronmcq's Avatar
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    I'm so very sorry to hear of Stella's passing and your loss. The love you all shared will be treasures to be remembered.
    My condolences, Ron

    -leaked-pictures-heaven-jpg

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

  15. #8
    Senior Dog coopersmom's Avatar
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    Rest in Peace Stella...hugs to you and to all that loved her xoxo

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

  17. #9
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    I am so terribly sorry for your loss She lives a wonderful (long!) life with you over those many years.

    Run free Stella.

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

  19. #10
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I'm sorry for your loss.

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    Mr Kleb (05-11-2017)

 



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